On 23 May 2025 the Flemish government agreed to raise the tuition fees for foreign language classes in adult education (volwassenenonderwijs – publicly funded evening and continuing education for adults in Flanders) from €1.50 to €4.00 per hour. Starting in September, anyone who wants to take a year-long language course of two lessons of three hours per week will now pay €960 instead of €360.
There are no reductions for these language courses because the Minister of Education and Employment Zuhal Demir considers them merely recreational ‘hobby courses’.
(Note: In Flemish educational policy, what the minister referred to as “hobby courses” is a category of adult education courses not eligible for reduced tuition fees.)
Every year, roughly 50,000 individuals in Flanders enrol in adult education on a foreign language course. People choose to learn a foreign language for a variety of reasons – for their career, personal growth, or social connections. “Yes, learning languages is great fun,” the minister told the Flemish Parliament, “but the question is whether the Flemish taxpayer should be paying for these courses.” She added: “You can never know too many languages, as I’m fond of saying. But yes, they are slightly more expensive.”
In the past few weeks, almost everyone with a stake in language education has spoken out in the media. In an urgent advisory note, the Flemish Educational Council (VLOR) expressed their concerns about the price increase, which they consider far too steep, as well as the way in which the minister described language courses. Painting them as the frivolous pursuits of hobbyists out to put a strain on the Flemish purse, they argue, misses the mark since learning a new language is, first and foremost, a great way of building social and economic capital.
(Note: The VLOR (Vlaamse Onderwijsraad – Flemish Educational Council) is an official advisory body to the Flemish government on educational policy.)
This struck a particular chord with Marie Desmet, who is currently an intern at De Taalsector and studying for her master’s degree in translation (Dutch, German and Spanish) at Ghent University: “Knowing languages is more valuable than ever, to individuals as well as to society as a whole. Learning a foreign language should not be a luxury or a privilege, right?”
Ghent, 11 June 2025, Marie Desmet - Indeed, you can never know too many languages. They enrich both you and your community.
A key to personal growth
Connections
I met many new people during my Erasmus exchange in Barcelona, Spaniards as well as Erasmus students from various countries. None of them spoke a word of Dutch. Thanks to my understanding of Spanish, English, French and German, I was able to communicate with many Erasmus students in their mother tongue. I gained a lot from this experience.
Multilingualism is an asset in many contexts. Whether you need assistance, want to convince someone or just want to deliver a clear message, your language skills will make a difference. Knowing more than one language is a key that opens doors to new worlds, both personally and professionally.
Intercomprehension
A few years ago, I taught horse riding at a summer camp. I remember two French-speaking girls in my group. They had come to the camp in Flanders to learn to understand Dutch. I spoke Dutch and they, French, which allowed me to improve my French listening skills: a win-win situation. Even if you merely understand your conversation partner without actively speaking their language, it is still of huge benefit.
Self-confidence
When I was younger and did not know as many languages as I do now, when I travelled with my parents it was always they who took the lead in conversations. However, since I started learning languages, I have gained a lot of confidence, not only in foreign languages, but in general. I now dare to approach people. To make new connections, you sometimes need to step out of your comfort zone. When travelling with my parents, I am now the one who speaks out. In Germany or Spain, they sometimes even learn something from me.
Culture
Four years ago, during the Ghent Film Festival, I had the opportunity to watch Memoria, a film in Spanish with subtitles. It may sound trivial, but it was a pivotal moment for me: it was the first time I was able to watch a Spanish film entirely in Spanish without having to read the subtitles – wonderful!
Watching a film without subtitles, reading a book in the original language or listening to music without translation – language is more than just a tool for communication, it is also a portal to new cultures and art forms.
Knowledge
For my Master’s thesis I have to do extensive research. What a difference it makes to be able to access material in five languages.
So, absolutely, multilingualism offers clear advantages in terms of knowledge. Do you wish to improve your knowledge of a certain culture? Learn the language. If you know a country's language, you are able to engage in discussions with locals and obtain a deeper insight into the culture, producing a more genuine grasp of traditions and customs.
Another thing that has surprised me as I study to be a translator, is how quickly I can switch between languages. Learning a language is not only about broadening my knowledge, it also keeps my mind agile and strengthens my memory. Studies show that language learning enhances cognitive function and – no surprise there – it also makes you more competitive in the labour market.
Multilingualism as the glue of society
Innovation
Multilingualism makes international collaboration easier. Take scientific research for instance. Not only does a multilingual society have better access to knowledge that transcends language barriers, it can also disseminate its own research findings globally much more rapidly. When it comes to fighting illnesses and developing innovative treatments, for example, quick international interaction is critical. Multilingualism speeds up progress.
Diplomacy
Multilingualism helps to avert international disputes and improves mutual understanding. Misunderstandings caused by poor communication can have far-reaching consequences, but are often easy to avoid. And even when a conflict has already arisen, language can be a key to resolution. Those who speak another’s language are able to engage in more meaningful discussions with more empathy and respect – and thus with a greater chance of reaching a solution.
“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” (Nelson Mandela)
Just as multilingualism opens doors to new information, new interactions and personal growth for individual citizens, it also encourages mutual respect for another’s traditions and customs, which is a cornerstone of a connected and vibrant society. Whether in adult education language courses or at casual conversation tables, multilingualism brings people from diverse backgrounds closer together.
(Note: “Conversation tables” are informal language practice groups where participants gather together to improve their speaking skills through interaction with native or fluent speakers.)
Conclusion
My conclusion? Language courses are more valuable today than ever before and should remain as accessible as possible. Why? Because they are essential for personal development, a society that wishes to interact successfully on the international stage, and a culture that values social cohesiveness. Investing more in language instruction is therefore not a luxury, but a must for the future.
“You can never know too many languages, as I’m fond of saying.”
Note: This article was written in light of the current policy debate in Flanders (Belgium) as well as the personal observations of a translation student at Ghent University. It aims to provide international readers with an insight into the debate about adult education language courses in Flanders, which are publicly financed but subject to tuition fees.
Oorspronkelijke tekst in het Nederlands: Marie Desmet
Engelse vertaling: Dries Debackere (revisie Caroline Rees)